How Much Does Fire Extinguisher Servicing Cost in the UK?

Fire extinguishers are among the most important pieces of safety equipment in the UK. Found in offices, schools, hospitals, shops and even homes, they provide vital protection when a fire breaks out. These devices are often the difference between a small, contained incident and a disaster that causes widespread damage. However, owning extinguishers is not enough. If they are not properly maintained, there is no guarantee they will work in an emergency.

UK fire safety laws require that fire extinguishers are serviced regularly. Annual servicing is standard, with more detailed inspections required at set intervals depending on the type of extinguisher. Servicing ensures they remain pressurised, undamaged, accessible and ready for use. Neglecting this not only puts people and property at risk but can also lead to fines, prosecution or invalid insurance claims.

One of the most common questions for property owners and business managers is: how much does fire extinguisher servicing cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the number and type of extinguishers, the service provider and the location of the property. In this article, we explore average costs in detail, explain the factors that influence price, show why professional servicing is a wise investment and share tips on how to secure the best value.

Factors That Influence Fire Extinguisher Servicing Costs

There is no single fixed price for fire extinguisher servicing in the UK. Instead, costs vary depending on several important factors. Understanding these helps businesses and property owners budget more accurately and avoid surprises when they receive quotes.

Number of Extinguishers

The total number of extinguishers is often the biggest factor. A small office with two or three extinguishers will naturally pay less than a large warehouse or school with dozens. However, while the total bill increases with more units, the per-unit price often decreases. Many providers offer bulk discounts, making servicing more cost-effective for large sites. For example, a small business might pay £15 per extinguisher, while a large company with 50 extinguishers may only pay £8 or £9 each.

This pricing system benefits both sides. Providers can complete more work in one visit, saving travel time and resources, while clients enjoy a lower average cost. For businesses with multiple branches, scheduling servicing across all sites at the same time can further reduce expenses.

Type of Fire Extinguisher

Different extinguishers are designed for different types of fire, and each requires specific servicing. Water and foam extinguishers are among the cheapest to service, as checks are relatively straightforward. Powder extinguishers also fall into a similar range. CO2 extinguishers are more costly, as they need pressure testing and refilling every five years. These extended checks involve specialist equipment and higher safety standards, which increase the cost.

Wet chemical extinguishers, usually found in kitchens to tackle oil and fat fires, may also need more thorough checks due to the environments they are used in. As a result, servicing costs can vary considerably depending on the extinguisher types present in a building.

Frequency of Servicing

British Standards recommend annual servicing for all extinguishers. In higher-risk areas, such as factories, workshops or public buildings, additional inspections may be required. More frequent servicing increases yearly costs, but it can also save money in the long term by preventing faults from developing. An extinguisher that is checked regularly is less likely to fail and less likely to need costly replacement parts.

Service Provider and Location

Another key factor is the provider and location. National firms often charge slightly more but provide consistency, reliability and wide coverage. Local companies may offer lower rates but sometimes add travel fees for jobs outside their usual area. Urban areas usually benefit from competitive prices, while rural or remote locations may face higher charges due to travel times and fewer available providers.

The service package also matters. Some companies include parts such as tamper seals, safety pins and labels in the price. Others charge extra for these, making a low headline price misleading. Always check what is included before agreeing to a service to avoid hidden costs.

Average Costs of Fire Extinguisher Servicing in the UK

Across the UK, the average cost of servicing a fire extinguisher is between £7 and £15 per unit for a standard annual check. This price usually covers an engineer’s inspection of pressure, condition, weight, hose quality, tamper seals, and instructions. The engineer also ensures the extinguisher is placed correctly, mounted securely and easy to access in an emergency.

CO2 extinguishers are more expensive to service because they require extended testing every five years. These tests, which involve hydrostatic pressure checks and refilling, typically cost £20 to £30 each. In some cases, replacing an older CO2 extinguisher can be cheaper than continuing with repeated extended tests, especially if the extinguisher is nearing the end of its expected lifespan.

Many providers also charge call-out fees, particularly if the job involves only a few extinguishers. These charges typically range from £25 to £50 and can make small jobs more costly than expected. To avoid this, it is often more economical to service all extinguishers at once. Businesses may also find it helpful to combine extinguisher servicing with other safety checks, such as fire alarm testing or emergency lighting inspections, to save on call-out costs.

Bulk servicing agreements can provide significant savings. For example, schools, hotels and factories with dozens of extinguishers often pay lower per-unit costs due to volume discounts. Some organisations with 100 or more extinguishers manage to bring the cost per unit down below £7, making large-scale servicing more affordable.

While averages are useful, the exact price depends on your provider, location and the type of extinguishers you have. This is why it is important to request quotes from several providers and ensure you understand exactly what is included in the price.

Why Investing in Professional Servicing Saves Money Long-Term

It may be tempting to reduce costs by delaying or skipping servicing, but this is a false economy. A fire extinguisher that has not been properly maintained might not work in an emergency. The consequences of this could include loss of life, serious injuries, major property damage and legal penalties for non-compliance with fire safety law.

Professional servicing protects against these risks. Engineers are trained to identify issues such as leaks, worn parts or hidden damage. Detecting these early allows small repairs or adjustments to be made, which is much cheaper than replacing entire extinguishers later. Regular servicing also extends the lifespan of each extinguisher, reducing the need for frequent replacements and keeping long-term costs lower.

Insurance is another important consideration. Most insurers require proof of regular servicing as a condition of cover. Without it, a fire-related claim may be rejected or reduced, leaving businesses to cover large costs themselves. Investing in proper servicing provides peace of mind that both safety and insurance requirements are met.

In addition to financial benefits, professional servicing helps avoid disruption. A fire that spreads because of faulty extinguishers could close a workplace for weeks or months, costing far more than servicing would. Regular checks ensure equipment is ready to use, protecting not only lives but also business operations and reputation.

How to Get the Best Value for Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Servicing costs are unavoidable, but they can be managed carefully to ensure good value. By comparing providers, planning ahead, and considering long-term contracts, businesses and property owners can keep costs reasonable without compromising safety.

Compare Multiple Service Providers

Always request quotes from at least three providers. Pay attention to what is included in the price. A cheaper quote may exclude parts, seals or certificates, while a slightly higher price might be all-inclusive. Checking these details avoids hidden costs and ensures you are comparing like for like.

Schedule Servicing at the Right Time

Plan to service all extinguishers in one visit to avoid multiple call-out fees. Where possible, arrange for servicing to take place alongside other safety checks, such as alarms or lighting systems. Many providers offer package deals that reduce overall costs while covering all areas of fire safety at once.

Consider Long-Term Contracts

Long-term contracts of three to five years can save money compared to booking annually. These agreements often lock in lower rates, protect against future price increases and guarantee regular servicing without the need to rebook each year. For larger organisations, these contracts offer predictable costs and peace of mind that compliance is always maintained.

Ultimately, value is not just about paying the lowest price. It is about ensuring that extinguishers are serviced properly and remain ready for use in an emergency. By comparing providers, scheduling wisely and considering longer agreements, you can achieve cost savings while maintaining safety and compliance.